Holiday Time Fast Approaching-Travel Tips for Cats & Dogs

Holiday times are fast approaching and it’s great when we can take our pets along especially when flying. It’s best to be prepared when planning a trip that includes taking your beloved pets to reduce the level of stress on everyone including them.

Thinking about traveling with your pet in the cabin or cargo hold of an airline? Many airlines have changed their policies and protocols when traveling with pets on board. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the rules and policies of that airline prior to purchasing your ticket. Many airlines are not pet friendly while others respect the desires of the traveling public to bring their pet with them when they travel.  If you follow the standards set out by the airlines, both you and your pet will have a much more pleasant trip.

Here are some basic but vital regulations to follow:

IN CABIN TRAVEL: FLY WITH A SMALL DOG OR CAT 

1.You will need to have Airline Approved Pet carrier

2. A bag tag - for proper Identification. Make sure you have pet tag also on hie/her collar.

3. Most airlines will NOT allow reservations to be made on line, though it is best do diligence  in finding the best airlines that meet both you and your pets’ needs.

4. Many airlines require a health certificate indicating that the pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable to humans and has been properly vaccinated, especially when traveling in the cargo section of the aircraft.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
If you are traveling to another country, Airlines will  want to see that you have the proper documents to enter that country with your pet. Most countries have their own version of a Veterinary Certificate. In addition, some countries require an Import Permit.  You can search on line and download a pet passport form.

CAR TRAVEL WITH YOUR PETS

1. Traveling with a pet is a lot of fun for both of you. BUT, be prepared. Your pet is out of his or her normal environment. Budget more time to do things, have food and especially water with you. And don’t forget a doggy bag and clean up materials.

2. We all know that dogs love to travel by car… But do they really? Take a few short trips, and then a medium trip, to see how your dog responds. Is his head out the window all the time or is he hunkered down by your feet? Try to figure out whether he is excited to go with you and enjoys the ride, or is excited to go with you but does not remember that the trip itself was not comfortable.

3. If you travel to visit friends, don’t automatically assume they want your pet there, too. They may be too polite to say it, so sound them out ahead of time. Some friends may prefer to see you alone, not with your pet in tow.

4. In your regular home environment, those little allergy monsters may not affect you. But in a close environment during travel, things may change and you may find that you are allergic to your pet, after all. (I did not actually say that, did I?!) Talk to your doctor and consider having over-the-counter allergy medicine with you on your trip, just in case.

5. If you are putting your pet in a pet carrier, please make sure that it is big enough. If you are only traveling a short distance, you can probably get away with one that is not quite perfect–but only temporarily. Do the right thing and make sure you use the biggest carrier you possibly can. Make sure your pet can lie down and be comfortable. (Truth is, your pet is not going to stand all the time, but he sure is going to lie down!) He should be able to lie down in his normal lying position.

6. Have on board an Emergency First Aid Pet Kit. You can either put one together or purchase one that is already assembled.

Don't leave home without one!

If you do it yourself include the following:

A plastic tote is good for storing your kit. It is advised that you make not one but two kits: one that will be in your house and one you can keep in your car.

Your Kit Should Include:

• Batteries
• A Flashlight
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Sterile gauze pads and bandages
• First aid tape
• Antibacterial ointment
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antiseptic wipes
• A muzzle
• A leash
• A splint
• Styptic powder to stop bleeding
• Pepto bismol
• Prescription medications (for you and your pets)
• Sterile latex gloves
• Eye wash
• A book on human and pet first aid
• Mineral oil
• Buffered aspirin
• Benadryl
• A blanket
• A large bottle of water
• Self-activating hot pack
• Self-activating ice pack
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Copies of veterinary documents
• Thermometer

Whenever possible, a cell phone with service that can reach 911 in case of emergencies with the phone number of the nearest emergency vet programmed is a great addition to your emergency first aid kit. Check your batteries periodically to make sure that they are ready to go when you need them in an emergency.

Stay safe and Happy Traveling

Travelin Paws